One of the reasons to get excited about Transform the Sector is because Andrew Means will be presenting. A leader in the world of data and philanthropy, Andrew is in high demand to speak at conferences around the world.

Andrew is the current Head of beyond.uptake, the philanthropic and civic innovation arm of the Uptake business intelligence platform. He is also the founder of Data Analysts for Social Good, a professional organization for individuals interested in how data, research, and analytics are changing the social sector. Back in 2013, Andrew started Do Good Data: an annual two-day conference that attracts hundreds of social sector leaders.

Do Good Data has just joined forces with Data On Purpose to launch a world tour. Transform the Sector is the first stop on that world tour.

Powered by Data, one of Transform the Sector's organizing partners, recently had the chance to chat with Andrew about his work and the upcoming world tour.

POWERED BY DATA'S INTERVIEW WITH ANDREW MEANS

Powered by Data (PBD): What kind of work are you doing now?

Andrew Means (AM): I'm focused on getting beyond.uptake off the ground. We are working on building some great data tools for organizations fighting poaching and human trafficking, and students trying to find colleges they'll likely get into and graduate from. We also just launched a Data Fellowship program that I am very excited about. Too often, data leaders in this sector don't get the mentoring, coaching, and professional development they deserve. We are hoping to change that.

PBD: What part of your work are you most excited about?

AM: I am excited right now because I am seeing traction. More resources are being dedicated to support data infrastructure and the use of data applications. More tools are being built. More people are gaining the skills to turn data into insight into action. We are moving in the right direction. There is still a long way to go of course but we have also come a long way in a short amount of time.

PBD: What are you looking forward to discussing in Toronto and on the world tour?

AM: I am so excited for the world tour. When I started Do Good Data in 2013, I had no idea it would take off like it has. To take Do Good Data global is exciting and I am so glad to be launching in Toronto. You guys are leading the way in transparency and I'm excited to not only come and share my experiences but to learn from yours.